The somatogenic view of mental illness states that all mental illnesses are caused by what?

The somatogenic view of mental illness posits that all mental disorders arise from physical causes, which encompasses biological and physiological factors. This perspective is grounded in the belief that mental health issues can be linked directly to dysfunctions in the brain, nervous system, genetics, or other physical elements of the body.

This contrasts sharply with other views that attribute mental illness to psychological factors, environmental influences, or societal norms, which emphasize the role of external and internal experiences in the development of mental disorders. The somatogenic approach paved the way for advancements in psychiatry, linking mental illnesses to medical conditions that can often be diagnosed and treated through biological means, such as medications or other medical interventions. Thus, understanding mental disorders through the somatogenic lens allows practitioners to address these conditions with a focus on underlying physiological issues.